Renting a tent for a special event can be a more complicated process than expected. Numerous tent rental companies offer dozens of options ranging from small pop-up tents to enormous marquees, all available in varying degrees of aesthetics and durability.

Whether you're renting a tent for an outdoor wedding, birthday party or corporate event, asking a few key questions can ensure that you choose the perfect company for your special occasion.

Which kind of tent is right for me?
The answer to this question will depend on several factors. High peak pole tents provide the ultimate in durability and style, making them a perfect choice for weddings or elegant parties. Pole tents are better for grassy or uneven surfaces, while frame tents are more appropriate for installation on solid surfaces, such as patios and streets. Marquee tents can comfortably house hundreds of guests and are ideal for large corporate events.

What upgrade options are available?
Companies may offer upgraded features, including tent linens and drapes, lighting, heating and air conditioning, carpeted floors and entrance canopies.

What else can I rent from you?
To streamline your party planning process, check with tent rental companies to see what else they may be able to supply. In addition to the tent itself, companies may also offer rental packages encompassing chairs, tables, dance floors, linens and inflatable bounce houses.

Can you print my company logo on my tent?
A custom logo is a great way to advertise your business at public events.

Do you offer pop-up tents or canopies?
Pop-up tents and canopies are a great option for smaller scale outdoor events such as flea markets or bake sales. Most set themselves up in less than a minute and collapse into a small size for easy portability.

The tent rental business is often highly seasonal. Although there is some market for heated tents, most outdoor events occur during the summer. And although some recreation and indoor play tents are rented, the majority are sold outright. Small pop up tents are, thus, a small proportion of the business.

The majority of the company's business is weddings and birthday parties. Inflatable tents are sometimes used for appearances. Other events may involve the rental of canopy tents, often in some numbers. A small canopy may be used to cover a market stall or similar. Again, though, many people buy their own.

A rental company, therefore, for the most part, rents marquees and other large party tents. Marquees are often designed so that the sides can be open or closed and are generally rented by size. A package including chairs, tables, and linens is likely to be offered. Workers generally arrive prior to the party and set everything up, then do take down once it is over. Installation requires significant manual labor. Companies may also offer design and décor services. Custom setups are more expensive, generally created by putting multiple tents together. As a result, especially for important special events and weddings, individuals with an aesthetic sense and the ability to come up with practical layouts are sought. Drivers are needed to move tents and equipment. Companies may also be asked to supply flowers and the like, but that is often handled separately. What a package contains needs to be made clear.

Salesmen need to obtain clear directives from customers, often ones that are running stressful events. A level head is very important. It is likely that demand for rentals will remain stable into the future.